The legal and historical research community is abuzz with the news that a significant portion of the John Paul Stevens Papers is now accessible for research at the esteemed Library of Congress. As of May 2nd, scholars and researchers can delve into the meticulously curated collection housed within the Manuscript Division, offering unprecedented insights into the career of one of the longest-serving and most influential justices in the history of the Supreme Court. This opening marks a pivotal moment for those seeking to understand the evolution of the Supreme Court and the profound impact of John Paul Stevens.
Justice John Paul Stevens (1920-2019) served on the Supreme Court for an impressive 34 years, having been appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1975. His tenure, which concluded with his retirement in 2010, witnessed significant shifts in the court’s composition and jurisprudence. The John Paul Stevens Papers meticulously document this journey, revealing his transformation from a relatively lesser-known justice, initially perceived as a moderate conservative, to a leading voice of the court’s liberal wing by the time he became senior associate justice in 1994.
Justice Stevens initiated the deposit of his papers at the Library of Congress in 2005, formalizing it as a gift upon his retirement in 2010. An initial segment of the collection, primarily covering the years 1975 to 1984, was made available for research in October 2020. However, accessibility was initially constrained due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, a more substantial second installment, encompassing the period from 1984 to 2010, has been processed and organized by Library archivists and is officially open for scholarly exploration. This newly accessible portion comprises approximately 741 manuscript containers, representing a wealth of primary source material for researchers. It is worth noting that Justice Stevens’ most recent files, spanning 2005 to 2010, will remain closed until October 2030, as stipulated in the gift agreement with the Library.
Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, emphasized the significance of this event, stating, “Justice John Paul Stevens was a consequential member of the U.S. Supreme Court for decades and a leading voice on many important cases. We are proud to have Justice Stevens’ papers open for research at the nation’s library, the Library of Congress.” The acquisition of the John Paul Stevens Papers further solidifies the Library of Congress’s position as a premier repository for legal history, joining collections from 38 other justices and chief justices, including luminaries like John Marshall, Thurgood Marshall, Hugo Black, Earl Warren, and Harry A. Blackmun.
Susan Mullen, Justice Stevens’ daughter, expressed the family’s gratitude, “On behalf of the Stevens family, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to all of those involved in organizing the Justice John Paul Stevens Papers for this exciting opening, particularly my father’s former assistant, Janice Harley, and the members of the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress. Given that Justice Stevens was one of the longest serving justices in the history of our country, preparing the files was no small task, and the professionalism and excellence of those involved has been greatly appreciated. Justice Stevens was proud that his papers will be kept at the Library of Congress, and our family hopes that their availability will be of assistance to historians.”
Delving into Landmark Cases: Insights from the Stevens Papers
Throughout his long tenure, Justice John Paul Stevens played a crucial role in numerous landmark decisions that have shaped American law and society. The John Paul Stevens Papers offer invaluable primary source material for understanding his perspectives and the internal deliberations surrounding these pivotal cases. Some notable examples include:
- Presidential Election of 2000: Bush v. Gore (2000) and Bush v. Palm Beach County Canvassing Board (2000). The papers may shed light on the court’s highly controversial intervention in the election.
- Abortion Rights: Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992). Researchers can explore Justice Stevens’ views on the evolving jurisprudence of abortion rights.
- Affirmative Action: Wygant v. Jackson Board of Education (1986), City of Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co. (1989), and Grutter v. Bollinger (2003). The collection may provide insights into his stance on affirmative action and equal protection.
- Campaign Finance Reform: McConnell v. Federal Election Commission (2003). The papers could reveal his thinking on campaign spending and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.
- Capital Punishment: Stanford v. Kentucky (1989), Atkins v. Virginia (2002), and Roper v. Simmons (2005). Researchers can examine his evolving views on capital punishment, particularly concerning juveniles and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Freedom of Speech: Texas v. Johnson (1989) and McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission (1995). The papers may offer insights into his approach to free speech issues, including flag burning and anonymous political speech.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: Bowers v. Hardwick (1986), Boy Scouts of America v. Dale (2000), and Lawrence v. Texas (2003). The collection could illuminate his position on LGBTQ+ rights as these issues gained prominence in legal discourse.
- Presidential Power: Clinton v. Jones (1997) and Clinton v. City of New York (1998). Researchers might find materials related to his views on the limits of presidential power and executive privilege.
- Rights of Terrorist Detainees: Rasul v. Bush (2004) and Rumsfeld v. Padilla (2004). The papers may provide context for his opinions on the legal rights of detainees in the post-9/11 era.
John Paul Stevens: A Life of Public Service
Born in Chicago in April 1920, John Paul Stevens demonstrated a commitment to public service throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 1941 and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the war, he pursued legal studies at Northwestern University School of Law and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Wiley B. Rutledge, an experience that undoubtedly shaped his own judicial philosophy. Prior to his judicial appointments, Stevens practiced law in Chicago, taught law, and served on various commissions, including as counsel for a U.S. House subcommittee focusing on monopolies.
In 1970, President Richard Nixon appointed John Paul Stevens as a circuit judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. His distinguished service on the appellate court led to his nomination and confirmation as a Supreme Court Justice in 1975, succeeding Justice William O. Douglas.
Accessing the John Paul Stevens Papers for Research
Researchers interested in accessing the John Paul Stevens Papers can do so on a first-come, first-served basis in the Manuscript Division Reading Room at the Library of Congress. Access is limited to two boxes at a time to ensure the preservation of these valuable documents.
To aid researchers, a comprehensive finding aid is available in both HTML and PDF formats, providing detailed guidance on the collection’s contents.
The Library encourages researchers to utilize smartphones for single-copy reproductions to minimize handling of the original documents, while also offering traditional photocopying and scanning services in accordance with established procedures.
Prospective researchers must obtain a reader registration card, which can be acquired in advance of their visit by visiting reader registration card. Standard reading room rules and regulations apply, including the secure storage of personal belongings in lockers. For comprehensive information on utilizing the Manuscript Division collections, please consult the division’s website.
The Library of Congress, the world’s largest library, serves as a vital resource for researchers and the public, offering unparalleled access to the creative record of the United States and a vast collection of materials from around the globe, both on-site and online. It is the research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Further exploration of collections, reference services, and programs is available at loc.gov. Access to official U.S. federal legislative information can be found at congress.gov, and copyright registration services are available at copyright.gov.
